Schumann Leads After Four Races

5.5 Metre World Championship

Sydney, Australia

The 5.5Metre World Championship are currently underway in Sydney, Australia. 27 boats are registered to compete divided into three divisions - Modern, Classic and Evolution.

Racing began yesterday on the waters of Sydney Harbour and, as usual, the championship has attracted a high class field. The Scandinavian Gold Cup and the Australian Gold and Silver Cup were both sailed from 2 -5 January and the winners of both these events are competing in the Worlds.

The Scandinavian Gold Cup was won by Ali Baba skippered by Bruno and Flavio MARAZZI and the Australian Gold Cup by Artemis XII skippered by Alinghi's Jochen SCHÜMANN. Both Marazzi and Schumann are no strangers to these waters having both competed in the 2000 Olympic Regatta. Schümann took home the gold medal in the Soling and Marazzi competed in the star.

Four races have now been completed and it is these two sailors who top the leaderboard of the Modern Division. Artemis XII had an excellent start with two race wins and two second place finishes whilst Ali-Baba is lying in second place with 14 points. Third place is currently held by the Finish boat Addam³ skippered by Johan GULLICHSEN. The other two race wins went to Gullichsen and the Austrlian boat My Shout skippered by Gordan INGATE.

Racing continues until 10 January with ten races scheduled to take place.